Sam took a deep breath and knocked on the door lightly. He knew Andy was probably tired and as pissed as he was, he didn't want to wake her. A minute later the door swung open and to Sam's surprise, Collins was standing there with nothing but a towel on. This was not what Sam expected.
Nick: Sam, I uhhh...
Sam: I came to talk to Andy. Clearly I am interrupting.
Nick: Swarek, it is not, this is not what it looks like.
Sam: I am pretty sure it is exactly what it looks like. Whatever.
With that Sam walked off before Nick could, or would explain what was really going on.
Andy's bedroom door opened.
Andy: Who are you talking to?
Nick: Oh sorry, I was just rehearsing what I am going to say to Gail tomorrow.
Andy raised and eyebrow: I know the feeling...night, Nick.
Nick: Goodnight.
What was he thinking? Why didn't he just tell her? He paced back and forth trying to figure out what the hell he was doing. Was he protecting her or was it something else? He wasn't totally sure but he was quickly coming to the realization that moving in with Andy might not have been the best idea. He was going to have to find a new place, and do it fast.
Andy lay awake, she could not get her mind off of Sam and his new girlfriend. How did this even happen? She still didn't know how they got to this point but she hated where they were. She has been gone for 6 months and he would barely talk to her. She just wanted to go to him. She couldn't risk it, she could not risk Marlo being there. She could handle a lot of things but that was not one of them...
Sam sat in his truck and punched the dashboard as hard as he could. This was not suppose to be like this. Collins? Is she serious? Her undercover partner and Peck's ex- boyfriend. Is this why she left? Is it why they both left? To be together? The thought of it was making him sick to his stomach. He went home, and tossed and turned all night.
Sam woke up early and went for a run. Oliver, drove by and slowed down when he saw Sam.
Oliver: Uhh hey, brother. Whatcha doing?
Sam: It's called running, Oliver. You should try it sometime.
Oliver: Thank you for the suggestion. Now what are you doing really? This is not like you.
Sam: It's the new me.
Oliver: I liked the old you. The old you did not go running in the morning.
Sam: Your right, the old me played basket ball with Jerry in the morning.
Oliver: Fair. Sammy, stop.
Sam: Is watching me run making you tired.
Oliver: NO! I need to talk to you.
Sam stops and walks towards Olivers car.
Sam: What?
Oliver: She is back.
Sam: I am aware.
Oliver: This is the part where you tell me how you feel about it.
Sam: What is this therapy?
Oliver: Call it whatever you want.
Sam: I'm fine, what do I care? I have moved on. I have Marlo.
Oliver: I like Marlo, always have. But she is no Andy.
Sam: That she is not. I can actually count on her.
Oliver: Really? You can't count on Andy? The same girl that got suspended and almost lost her badge trying to be with you? The Andy that made you happier than I have ever seen you. That Andy?
Sam: She left, she made her choice.
Oliver: You left her first.
Sam: Actually no, but I am not going to argue with you about it.
Oliver: You miss her.
Sam: I have moved on. Andy has moved on.
Oliver: What are you talking about?
Sam: I went over to her place last night. To clear the air and tell her about Marlo. Collins answered the door, wearing a towel.
Oliver: Ouch. I am sorry Brother. I have to say though, it doesn't sound like McNally.
Sam: Collins tried to tell me it wasn't what it looked like. I know what I saw.
Oliver: I still think you need to talk. I also think I am going to invest in body armor, because if this is true, Peck is going to lose her mind. I don't want to be in her path.
Sam: You are right, I am just going to leave this one to Peck.
Oliver: I'm sorry, Sammy.
Sam: Like I said, I have moved on.
Oliver: Whatever you say, brother. I will see you at the station.
Andy and Nick showed up for their shift and went to parade. When Andy walked out, she bumped into Sam.
Andy: I'm sorry
Sam: It's all good. See ya.
Andy: Sam, wait.
Sam: I have a lot of work to do McNally.
Andy: Are you ever going to talk to me again?
Sam: I have nothing to say. Have a good day!
Andy fought to hold back the tears. Even when they first broke up, he was not that cold to her. She couldn't believe this was happening.
Oliver snuck up behind her: McNally! First shit back and you are with me. Your lucky day, McNally! And since you have been away for 6 months I am going to let you buy me lunch.
Andy: Generous of you.
Oliver: I know, I know. i am a generous kind of guy.
Oliver and Andy were on patrol and had just had lunch...on Andy, of course. Oliver had filled her in on his family and how well everything was now going. Andy was glad to hear it. She needed good news and knowing that one of her friends had found happiness after everything he had been through, gave her some hope.
Oliver: You know, I am proud of you.
Andy: For what?
Oliver: I was with you on your first day, you blew Sammy's cover and to be honest you were kind of a mess.
Andy: Thanks
Oliver: I am saying this because you have come a long way. You have become one of the best cops I know.
Andy: Thank you, Oliver. that means everything.
Oliver: You should thank me, and Sammy of course. You got the 2 best TO's his division...hell this country has ever seen! You lucked out McNally.
Andy: You are right. Thank you, Oliver! she said with a sarcastic grin.
Oliver: You know speaking of Sammy.
Andy: I was not speaking of him.
Oliver: Whatever...speaking of Sammy. What is going on with you guys?
Andy: Well considering he will not speak to me, I would say nothing.
Oliver: Well, you did leave with out a word.
Andy: Are you serious?
Oliver: Just saying.
Andy: He has moved on.
Oliver: Well, so have you.
Andy: What?
Oliver: Collins.
Andy: Collins? What are you talking about.
Oliver: I heard you were a couple.
Andy: What? NO! we were a couple undercover, but that was clearly for show.
Oliver: And now?
Andy: And now he is my roommate. Nothing else. Where did you hear that?
Oliver: Not sure...15 gossip. I guess they got it wrong.
Andy: Yeah, I guess so.
Sam and Nash got called to investigate a murder scene. Sam drove and Nash tried to get him talking.
Traci: Beautiful day right?
Sam: Yeah, it is.
Traci: Yeah...I went for a run this morning, with Andy.
Sam: Nice
Traci: Have you talked?
Sam: I am talking right now.
Traci: To Andy!
Sam: Nothing to say.
Traci: I don't know. Seems like you would have a lot to say. I know she would.
Sam: You know what Nash...enough. I know she is with Collins so lets drop it.
Traci: Collins? No, she would not do that.
Sam: Well she did.
Traci: Why do you think that?
Sam: If I tell you will you drop it?
Traci: Yes...well probably not.
Sam: I stopped by to talk to her last night and Collins answered half naked.
Traci starts laughing.
Sam: Hilarious, Nash.
Traci: Sorry, sorry. Um she is not with him.
Sam: Trac...
Traci: Sam! Nick is staying with her temporarily as a roommate and nothing else.
Sam got quiet, he didn't buy it. He knew Andy, and if Collins needed a place to stay, if any of her friends needed a place to stay, she would be the first to take them in. She was amazing like that. But Collins...there is no way he sees Andy as just a roommate. How could he?
Traci: Well? Are you going to say something.
Sam: It doesn't even matter, I have...
Traci: I know, I know...you have moved on. We all know, Sam! Maybe if you keep saying it you will actually believe it.
Sam: Let's get to work Nash.
Later that night everyone headed to the Penny. It was the official celebration of Nick and Andy's return from UC. Every one showed up...well everyone but Sam. Even Gail was there. Andy knew it was time they talked. Gail had become a friend over the years which was surprising considering how cold Gail use to be. She wanted to keep her as a friend and didn't want anything with Nick to ruin that.
Andy: Hey there.
Gail: Hey yourself.
Andy: Do you hate me?
Gail: And why would I hate you?
Andy: Gail...
Gail: I can't believe you left with him Andy.
Andy: I didn't know he was going to be there.
Gail: If you had, would you have stayed?
Andy: Honestly, no. I felt like I was doing my job.
Gail: At least you are honest about it. So tell me...did you sleep with him?
Andy: NO!
Gail: Really? Because I heard you were a couple while you were away.
Andy: It was all for show.
Gail: Whatever.
Andy: I'm he talked about you non stop. but everyone thought you were going to Europe. I thought you were getting suspended. I am really glad you didn't by the way.
Gail: Oh yeah, sticking around was great.
Andy: I did what I thought I had to do.
Gail: Like break Swarek's heart?
Andy: He seems to be doing well, and he sure as hell does not want anything to do with me.
Gail: Oh wake up, Andy. Do you really think Sam, who pined for you for years, just magically fell in love with some one after you left? It's called a rebound, McNally.
Andy: I have never seen him like this. It is like he hates me.
Gail: He doesn't hate you Andy. He loves you, and he probably hates that he can't stop loving you.
Andy: Is that the way it is with you and Nick?
Gail: I don't know. I am so pissed at him.
Andy: I have to tell you something.
Gail: What? Oh you didn't sleep with him didn't you? I knew it! You...
Andy: NO, i did not! But there was damage to his apartment when we were away.
Gail: Karma
Andy: So he has moved in with me. Gail, he has the spare room it is completely platonic, I promise you!
Gail tried to calm herself down. if there was one thing that Nick had taught her when they were together it was that getting Angry was not the answer to everything.
Gail: OK. But what the hell are we going to do about girls night?
Andy: Girls night?
Gail: YES every week Traci and I go over and we have some wine on the room and then go out. He is not allowed to be there for girls night.
Andy: You are right, he won't be there. I promise.
Gail: OK
Andy: Are we good?
Gail: Yeah, I guess we are good.
At the other end of the bar Traci saw Nick and decided it was time for them to talk.
Traci: Hey there.
Nick: HEY! How is it going Traci?
Traci: It's good, it's good. Hey Nick?
Nick: Yeah?
Traci: What the hell is going on with you and Andy?
Nick: What do you mean? We are friends.
Traci: Really? Because it is funny, when Andy and I went on a run this morning, she didn't mention anything about Sam stopping by last night. Yet he tells me he did, and he say you.
Nick: He did, did he?
Traci: Nick, I like you. I really do, but I am not sure what your end game is right now.
Nick: I don't know why I didn't tell her...
Traci: You don't? I have a theory...wanna hear it?
Nick: Do I have a choice?
Traci: No. I think you left with every intention of coming back to Gail. I also think that when you were living with Andy you fell for her. No one could blame you , she is a beautiful person inside and out. But she is in love with some one else.
Nick: First of all Sam has moved on.
Traci: If one more person says that to me I am going to punch them! He has not moved on! Marlo is a rebound. The only people who don't seem to see that are Sam and Andy.
Nick: Traci Stop
Traci: No, serioulsy. Marlo is a great cop and I like her but Sam is still in love with Andy and he is using Marlo at a pathetic attempt to move on!
Traci waited for Nick to say something but he looked like a deer in headlights. Traci turned around to find a sad looking Marlo standing behind her.
Traci: Marlo
Marlo: It's OK.
Traci: No it isn't.
Marlo: You just said what I have been thinking since she got back. It's OK honestly.
Sam walked into the bar and headed for Marlo. he gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Sam: Hey Nash. Collins.
Traci felt extermely uncomfortable so she excused herself and headed back to Andy.
Traci: I just did something bad.
Andy: What's that.
Traci: I told Nick that Sam was on the rebound with Marlo and she over heard me.
Andy: TRACI!
Traci: I know! Sam is going to kill me.
Andy: Welcome to the dog house! Cheers!
Marlo had decided it was not the time to talk to Sam about their relationship. She told him she was tired and headed home. Sam Didn't question it and sat with Oliver for a couple of beers. As the night died down everyone slowly filed out of the bar. Andy went to the ladies room and told Nick she would meet him at home, she was going to get a ride from Traci. She was the only one left in the bar. When she got out of the restroom, the bartender called to her.
Bartender: Hey, McNally. Swarek forgot his credit card. Can you give it to him?
Andy: Uhhh sure.
She took the card and headed out the door. She hopped in Traci's car.
Andy: Did you see Sam leave?
Traci: Yeah, took off about 5 minutes ago, why?
Andy: He forgot his credit card. Liam asked me to give it to him.
Traci: Well, let's go!
Andy: No, you can just give it to him tomorrow.
Traci: No, YOU are going to give it to him tonight.
Traci pulled up at Sam's place and told Andy she would wait for her. That was fine because this wouldn't take long.
Andy took a deep breath and knocked on the door. She waited a brief moment and started to walk away when the door opened.
Sam: Hi
Andy: Hi. Sorry to bother you, Liam found your credit card and asked me to give it to you.
Sam: Thanks
Andy: No problem. Have good night.
With that she turned around and quickly walked towards the car.
Sam: You left.
Andy whipped around: Excuse me.
Sam: You left me and now you are acting like everything is normal.
Andy: You have not given me a chance to talk to you about it. About anything. Besides you seem pretty happy with your new girlfriend.
Sam: Well I wanted to tell you. I tried.
Andy: You didn't try very hard did you?
Sam: Sorry if you were too busy with your new boyfriend to notice but I did try.
Andy: When? YOu have been nasty to me since I got back.
Sam: I went to your place last night and your half naked "roommate" answered the door.
Andy: What?
Sam: He didn't tell you?
Andy looked stunned.
Andy: Um, no he must have forgot.
Sam: Yeah right.
Sam Walked away towards his house.
Andy: Screw you!
Sam: Excuse me?
Andy: You left me remember? You left!
Traci was not sure what was going on but she got out of the car
Traci: Hey guys, sorry to interrupt but I need to get home, my mom just called and Leo is sick.
Andy: Yeah, let's go.
Sam: No , you know what? You have wanted to clear the air let's clear it! Traci I will drop her off at home. Get home to Leo.
Traci looked hesitant...she hoped for the best but Sam looked pissed and Andy looked nervous. They needed to do this, that much she knew. She got in the car and headed home. Traci was not sure what was going to happen next but she was hopeful, she wanted her friends to get back together...maybe talking it out will help...maybe...